FHSU addresses ‘Glitter + Ash’ event as free expression

HAYS, Kan. (KSNW) – Fort Hays State University says the “Glitter + Ash” event that was scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 14, on campus was sponsored by Us4U and the United Methodist Campus Ministry.

The university said in a statement that both are recognized student organizations, and both followed established protocols for creating, announcing, and holding the event.

The university said as with any student organization-led event, a communication included an FHSU-branded header graphic.

“The inclusion of the university brand mark in the header is not intended to serve as an affirmed or implied endorsement of the beliefs and views held or expressed by any Student Organization. In the interest of ensuring that the First Amendment right of every individual is respected, FHSU remains viewpoint-neutral on this and other Student Organization-led events. We are in the process of updating our student organization event announcement procedures to clarify that these are announcements from the Student Organizations, not the university, and the content of the emails and the events themselves may not reflect the opinions/beliefs of the university or university leadership,” reads the statement.

FHSU goes on to say, “The Kansas Board of Regents and Fort Hays State University are committed to the free expression of ideas and beliefs, and we are united in our commitment to full and open inquiry and discourse and the robust exchange of ideas and perspectives.”

For more on the KBOR’s stance on freedom of expression, click here.